Priyanka’s Advanced Composites Experience
Priyanka moved from India to Bristol to study for an Advanced Composites MSc. We spoke to her about her experiences and what she’s been up to since graduating in 2024.
Tell us about where you work. What do you do there?
I’m working as a Composite Test Engineer at Magma Global in Portsmouth. Our company specialises in manufacturing m-pipe, an advanced solution crafted from PEEK and carbon fibre, designed to streamline subsea architecture. M-pipe is widely utilized by leading operators across the globe in subsea operations as flowlines and jumpers.
My role involves testing the pipes to ensure they meet the required standards. Honestly, I love breaking pipes—it’s incredibly satisfying to see them perform so close to the predicted values!
How did your master’s degree prepare you for the role?
Studying Advanced Composites equipped me with a strong foundation in processing models and simulations, particularly in composite materials. A key aspect of my coursework was understanding laminate behaviour, including how composites respond to temperature exposure, the influence of fibre orientation, and their performance under loads applied in specific directions. This knowledge directly supports my work in failure analysis. We also specifically focused on ply-level failure prediction, which has been highly relevant in my current role, especially when analysing failures in composite pipes.
Throughout my studies, I gained valuable hands-on experience, conducting tests independently. This not only enhanced my technical skills but also bolstered my confidence in managing tasks autonomously. The expertise and insights I developed during my MSc projects continue to inform my work today, allowing me to approach challenges with analytical rigor and confidence in process parameters.
What inspired you to choose the MSc in Advanced Composites?
During my bachelor’s in production engineering, I was introduced to the fascinating world of composites through an optional subject in my final year, ‘Manufacturing and Design of Composites’. This subject sparked my interest as I learned about composite materials, their manufacturing techniques, material selection, and design considerations.
My enthusiasm grew further during my dissertation, where I explored the use of composites in wind turbine blades. Through this project, I gained hands-on experience with different software to analyze load paths, strength-to-weight ratios, and failure modes in laminate structures. These experiences ignited my passion for advanced composites and inspired me to pursue deeper knowledge and expertise through the MSc Advanced Composites programme at Bristol.
What was it like moving to Bristol?
Bristol isn’t just a place—it’s a whole vibe! It’s like a postcard came to life: super green, ridiculously pretty, and full of diverse people from all walks of life. You basically get a crash course in culture and ethnicity just by walking around!
Oh, and the Wills Memorial? I saw it online and thought, “Wow, I need to see this majestic tower up close, face-to-face!” (Spoiler: It did not disappoint—10/10 would stare again). And let’s not forget the friends I’ve made here—honestly, they’re the real reason this city feels so special. Bristol just hits different!
What do you consider to be the most valuable learning or experience you gained from the programme for your personal or professional development?
Coming from a different country, I initially found speaking English to be a barrier, but that quickly faded away here. I grew more confident and learned to express my ideas boldly in front of others. My course also included some fantastic activities designed to help us all become more fluent and outgoing together. Beyond gaining strong technical knowledge, I developed a “kill the fear” attitude—probably one of the best personal transformations I’ve experienced in years.
One of my favourite parts of the journey was working on individual projects, especially the hand lay-up and vacuum infusion processes. I can still recall the endless patience it took to work with tacky tape and troubleshoot countless failed pleats. Looking back, I’m genuinely amazed at how much I’ve grown and everything I’ve learned along the way.
What would you say to someone thinking about studying Advanced Composites? Or those who want to work in your field?
When I started this course, my friends came from all sorts of backgrounds, proving that this program isn’t just for composite ‘experts’. It’s open to anyone curious about understanding composite behaviour and its applications in daily life. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone eager to gain deeper knowledge in this fascinating field.
That said, it does require a lot of hard work and hands-on practical experience, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of myself for making the decision to pursue it two years ago—it was worth it.
Now, it’s your turn to dive in and make the most of this amazing journey!
The course information and statements contained within this blog are correct at time of publication.